Astros release J.D. Martinez, cut Amador, Downs, Petit

The Astros on Saturday morning released Martinez, who was in camp as a non-roster invitee. They also reassigned infielder Gregorio Petit and first baseman Japhet Amador, and optioned lefty reliever Darin Downs to minor league camp.

Martinez, 26, was behind the eight-ball to start this spring after he was removed from the Astros’ 40-man roster in the offseason. A Miami native and 20th round draft pick of the Astros’ in 2009, Martinez hit .251 with a .300 on-base percentage in 252 games with the team the last three seasons. He tallied a career-high 11 home runs in 2012.

“It’s alright,” Martinez said after saying goodbyes to teammates and packing his belonging. “I’m not really down about it. It is what it is. Obviously Houston’s the team that brought me up, where I want to be. And everything happens for a reason.”

Martinez made major changes to his swing this offseason in a successful stint in winter ball in Venezuela. But this spring, he received 18 at-bats in 14 games, collecting three hits for a .167 average.

“I feel that it was very tough given my situation of how I was going into games,” Martinez said. “I know how it works. … Venezuela went really well, I hit the ball really well down there. Let’s say I have a new respect for guys that come off the bench every day, ’cause that’s not easy to do. You get an at-bat every other day, it’s just tough.”

Free agency could help Martinez. He said that Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow told him a lot of teams were looking, but may have been hesitant to go after Martinez previously because he was supposed to have a relatively high salary at Class AAA.

“It kind of spooked teams away,” Martinez said, “so now it’ll be a lot easier to get picked up type deal.

“Obviously I’m sad to leave Houston. I love the fans, the players, everyone here. But I feel like they have a lot of guys coming up and if there’s not room for me to get at-bats and there’s not room for me to play, it’s best to let me go and not hold me back and I thank them for that.”

Amador’s late arrival to camp and his physical condition made him unlikely to make the team from the get-go. He went 3-for-13 in his time in big league camp.

Downs, who was competing with Raul Valdes to be a second lefthander in the Astros bullpen alongside Kevin Chapman, allowed seven runs in 9 1/3 innings, for a 6.75 ERA. Dallas Keuchel could be used as a lefty reliever as well if he doesn’t make the rotation, but if the Astros went that route, he might be better suited to long relief.

Valdes has allowed one run in four innings, with four strikeouts and no walks. He’s out of options.

Petit’s exit narrows the competitors for a back-up infield job to Marwin Gonzalez and Cesar Izturis. Izturis is hitting .269 (7-for-26) this spring, while Gonzalez is hitting .444 (16-for-36). Gonzalez’s performance makes him an ostensible favorite.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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March 26: Astros 9, Mets 6

Juan Lagares beats the throw to shortstop and steals second base.

March 26: Astros 9, Mets 6

Juan Lagares beats the throw to shortstop and steals second base.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman chases a bunt.

Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman chases a bunt.

Photo: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press

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Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman jumps but can't reach the two-run home run by Anthony Recker.

Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman jumps but can't reach the two-run home run by Anthony Recker.

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

George Springer in the dugout before a spring training game between Astros and the Tigers.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

Astros RHP Scott Feldman warms up in the second inning.

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Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

Astros RHP Brad Peacock pitches in the third inning.

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Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

Carlos Correa turns a double play at second.

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The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

The Detroit grounds crew performs to "YMCA" between innings.

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George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

George Springer reacts as he strikes out.

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Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

Domingo Santana and Gregorio Petit run towards a flyout by Detroit's Austin Jackson.

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George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

George Springer hugs Detroit's Nick Castellanos before the start of the game.

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Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

Former Astro Enos Cabell stands during the National Anthem.

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George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

George Springer (79) during the National Anthem.

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Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

Christian Rasmussen, 8, of Michigan, waits for autographs.

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

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Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Zeline Borin, 3 1/2, of Atlanta, plays catch with her dad, Tony, during a spring training game

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

Matt Teitsma, of Grand Rapids, waits in the outfield for home run balls during batting practice before the game.

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Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

Delino DeShields shags balls in the outfield during batting practice as a fan asks for a ball.

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Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

Detroit fans wait for home run balls during batting practice.

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A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

A Tigers fan uses his binoculars to watch the game.

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Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

Chris Carter signs autographs before the game.

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Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5

Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, home of the Braves' spring training. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle) less

Feb. 28: Astros 7, Braves 5

Houston Astros George Springer (79) looks out of the dugout during a spring training game between Houston and Atlanta at Champion Stadium, in Kissimmee, home of the Braves' ... more